Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition Extends Application Deadline

The annual Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition has extended its deadline for applications by one week, giving aspiring songwriters until 11.59pm AEST next Wednesday, 10 August, to submit their music for consideration.

This year's winners stand to walk away with a cool $50,000 in prize money, thanks to Alberts and APRA AMCOS, with runners-up still taking away a none-too-shabby $10,000 for second place (courtesy Australasian Music Publishers Association, aka AMPAL) and $5000 for third (via AEG Ogden). All winners will also be gifted a microphone prize pack from Shure, not to mention bragging rights for joining the likes of past notables such as Husky Gawenda (2014), The Preatures (2013), Kimbra (2011), Megan Washington (2009) and more.

There is a $50 entry fee — but you can feel good about it even if you don't win, because the money goes towards raising funds for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia, a non-profit organisation that uses music therapy to help people cope with a wide range of ailments and needs, including physical and intellectual disabilities, trauma, dementia, illness, behavioural disorders and other conditions. Over the past four years, the V&Y competition has raised more than $500,000 for the foundation. 

To apply, entrants will need to submit a copy of your works or songs in MP3 format (as many as you like), a digital photo of yourself, a 300-word-max bio and your contact details (if you're under 18, you'll need to get a signed letter from a parent or guardian, also). 

The shortlist will be announced next month, with the winners' announcement to follow in October.

For more information about the competition, including a full rundown of this year's judges and how to apply, see the event's website.